In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of researchers led by Piers Mitchell, a biological anthropologist at the University of Cambridge, has unearthed fossilized feces near Stonehenge.
Durrington Walls: A Window into the Lives of Stonehenge’s Creators
The findings, originating from Durrington Walls, a significant Neolithic settlement located just 1.7 miles from the iconic monument, are shedding new light on the dietary habits and parasitic infections that were prevalent among the builders during the construction of Stonehenge around 2500 BCE.
Examining Coprolites: A Treasure Trove of Information
The researchers meticulously examined nineteen coprolites, or fossilized feces, recovered from a refuse heap at Durrington Walls. Employing digital light microscopy, they analyzed the samples for the presence of intestinal parasite eggs. Remarkably, five of the coprolites, constituting 26% of the samples, contained helminth eggs. One sample harbored eggs of the fish tapeworm, likely Dibothriocephalus dendriticus, while four contained eggs of capillariid nematodes.
Groundbreaking Revelations: Intestinal Parasites in Neolithic Britain
The discovery of intestinal parasites in the coprolites marks the first time such evidence has been found in Neolithic Britain. Piers Mitchell highlighted the significance of the findings, stating, “This is the first time intestinal parasites have been recovered from Neolithic Britain, and to find them in the environment of Stonehenge is really something.” The researchers propose that these parasitic worms were likely ingested unintentionally by Stonehenge’s builders during communal winter feasts.
Unraveling the Dietary Practices of Stonehenge’s Builders
Although the exact nature of the meat dishes served during these feasts remains unclear, the researchers suggest that leftovers were shared with dogs at the settlement. It is hypothesized that the builders might have unknowingly consumed parasite eggs by confusing offal for meat and undercooking it in clay pots. Previous studies have revealed that Stonehenge’s builders herded cattle from a distance of 62 miles, subsequently slaughtering these animals for their communal feasts.
Implications and Insights into Neolithic Life
The discovery of capillariid eggs in the coprolites holds significant implications. Such eggs typically indicate the consumption of internal organs (liver, lung, or intestines) of animals afflicted with capillariasis, passing through the human or dog gut without causing disease. This newfound evidence strengthens our understanding of both parasitic infections and dietary practices associated with this crucial Neolithic ceremonial site.
These revelations enhance our understanding of the complex interactions between humans, animals, and their environment during this pivotal period in history. The findings from Durrington Walls provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who built one of the world’s most iconic ancient monuments, shedding light on their dietary habits and the challenges they faced in terms of parasitic infections.
